You may continue to take opiates to stop the vomiting and flu-like symptoms. However, you can stop the use without these symptoms by using the maintenance drug, Suboxone, which Dr. Kent Smalley of Neurowellness Clinic, in Edmond, OK, serving residents of Edmond, and Oklahoma City, OK, can prescribe. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions to help you decide if it could be right for you.
What's Suboxone?
Suboxone is an opioid antagonist, unlike heroin and other opiate agonists that activate the opioid receptors in the brain. Opioid antagonists, on the other hand, block these receptors, meaning they fulfilling them so you don't suffer from withdrawal symptoms. However, with this type of drug, you don't experience the "euphoric" effect. Suboxone also prevents you from experiencing any high if you would take any type of opiate.
This particular drug consists of buprenorphine -- a partial agonist -- and naloxone -- an antagonist used to block the effects of any opioids.
How Much Subuxone Will I Be Prescribed?
This varies from patient to patient. When you visit our office in Edmond, our practitioner will thoroughly evaluate you. Our doctor will take into consideration the severity of your addiction by asking you how long you've been using, what your usual dosage was, and how frequently you took it. Our practitioner will want to know about your withdrawal symptoms.
Generally, you start out on a higher dosage of Suboxone and gradually reduce your dosage. We'll continuously monitor you and adjust the dosage as necessary.
Can I Ever Stop Taking Suboxone?
Withdrawal symptoms will occur if you stop taking Suboxone abruptly. Therefore, we'll wean you off the drug over time. You can expect to be on it for a while until we feel you're ready to decrease your dosage. Eventually, you can come off the drug completely.
Can I Take Suboxone at Home?
We determine this on a case-to-case basis. Initially, everyone who takes it comes to our office to receive their dose on a schedule we provide but will incorporate your desires to make it convenient for you. Once we establish trust and feel as though you'll take it as directed and prescribed, you may be able to get a prescription to take home the medication.
What if This Drug Isn't Working?
This medication isn't the right option for everyone. So if it isn't working for you, we can alter the dosage or find you another option. Just let us know so we can accommodate you.
At Neurowellness Clinic, in Edmond, OK, serving residents of Edmond, and Oklahoma City, OK, Dr. Smalley can help you battle your addiction head-on, possibly with the use of Suboxone.
Call (405) 696-3773 today.